Gaming system and a method of gaming

ABSTRACT

A method of gaming comprising: conducting a base game; modifying a current value of a feature counter by a random value in response to a designated counter event occurring in the base game; determining whether the current value of the feature counter corresponds to one of a plurality of feature games in response to a feature trigger event occurring; and conducting any feature game to which the current value of the feature counter corresponds.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional PatentApplication No. 2007905348 having a filing date of Oct. 1, 2007, whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, agame controller and computer program code.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many gaming machines provide a feature game which is triggered inresponse to a trigger event occurring in a base game. Such feature gamesoften award more prizes or higher prizes than the base game or are“free” in the sense that no further investment is required by the playerto play the feature game.

While such gaming machines provide users with enjoyment, a need existsfor alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase playerenjoyment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention provides a method of gaming comprising:

conducting a base game;

modifying a current value of a feature counter by a random value inresponse to a designated counter event occurring in the base game;

determining whether the current value of the feature counter correspondsto one of a plurality of feature games in response to a feature triggerevent occurring; and

conducting any feature game to which the current value of the featurecounter corresponds.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated number is one.

In an embodiment, the designated number is two.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, different ranges of counter values are allocated toeach of the plurality of feature games, and the determination as towhether a feature game corresponds to the current value of the counteris based on the allocated ranges.

In an embodiment, at least one range of counter values is not allocatedto a feature game such that if the current counter value is within thatrange when a feature trigger event occurs, a feature game is notconducted.

In an embodiment, the feature counter is modified by subtraction.

In an embodiment, the feature counter is modified by addition.

In an embodiment, the feature counter represents a time period and eachof the features corresponds to a period in history.

In an embodiment, the random value is determined in a bonus game.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In an embodiment, wherein the prize value of the feature game is relatedto the size of the current value of the feature counter.

In an embodiment, the method comprises resetting the feature counter inresponse to at least a determination that a new game session is to beconducted.

In a second aspect the invention provides a game controller comprising afeature counter, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a base game;

modify a current value of a feature counter by a random value inresponse to a designated counter event occurring in the base game;

determine whether the current value of the feature counter correspondsto one of a plurality of feature games in response to a feature triggerevent occurring; and

conduct any feature game to which the current value of the featurecounter corresponds.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a modification modulearranged to modify the feature game counter by a random value.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an available featuremodule arranged to carry out the determination of whether a currentvalue of the feature counter corresponds to one of a plurality offeature games in response to a feature trigger event occurring in thebase game.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, different ranges of counter values are allocated toeach of the plurality of feature games, and the determination as towhether a feature game corresponds to the current value of the counteris based on the allocated ranges.

In an embodiment, at least one range of counter values is not allocatedto a feature game such that if the current counter value is within thatrange when a feature trigger event occurs, a feature game is notconducted.

In an embodiment, the feature counter is modified by subtraction.

In an embodiment, the feature counter is modified by addition.

In an embodiment, the feature counter represents a time period and eachof the features corresponds to a period in history.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a bonus game module forconducting a bonus game to determine the random value.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In an embodiment, the prize value of the feature game is related to thesize of the current value of the feature counter.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to reset the featurecounter in response to at least a determination that a new game sessionis to be conducted.

In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented, at least in partby a processor executing program instructions stored in a memory.

In a third aspect the invention provides a gaming system comprising:

a player interface; and

a game controller comprising a feature counter, the game controllerarranged to:

conduct a base game;

modify a current value of a feature counter by a random value inresponse to a designated counter event occurring in the base game;

determine whether the current value of the feature counter correspondsto one of a plurality of feature games in response to a feature triggerevent occurring; and

conduct any feature game to which the current value of the featurecounter corresponds.

In an embodiment, the player interface comprises a display fordisplaying play of the base game, the feature counter and any featuregame.

In an embodiment, the gaining system comprises a game play mechanismoperable by the player to initiate a play of the base game.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a modification modulearranged to modify the feature game counter by a random value.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an available featuremodule arranged to carry out the determination of whether a currentvalue of the feature counter corresponds to one of a plurality offeature games in response to a feature trigger event occurring in thebase game.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated counter event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, different ranges of counter values are allocated toeach of the plurality of feature games, and the determination as towhether a feature game corresponds to the current value of the counteris based on the allocated ranges.

In an embodiment, at least one range of counter values is not allocatedto a feature game such that if the current counter value is within thatrange when a feature trigger event occurs, a feature game is notconducted.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a bonus game module forconducting a bonus game to determine the random value.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In an embodiment, the prize value of the feature game is related to thesize of the current value of the feature counter.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to reset the featurecounter in response to at least a determination that a new game sessionis to be conducted.

In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented, at least in partby a processor executing program instructions stored in a memory.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of gaming comprising:

conducting a base game;

modifying a current position of a feature indicator by a random amountin response to a designated indicator event occurring in the base game;

determining whether the current position of the feature indicatorcorresponds to one of a plurality of feature games in response to afeature trigger event occurring; and

conducting any feature game to which the current position of the featureindicator corresponds.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, the random value is determined in a bonus game.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a game controller comprising afeature indicator, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a base game;

modify a current position of a feature indicator by a random amount inresponse to a designated indicator event occurring in the base game;

determine whether the current position of the feature indicatorcorresponds to one of a plurality of feature games in response to afeature trigger event occurring; and

conduct any feature game to which the current position of the featureindicator corresponds.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a bonus game valuearranged to conduct a bonus game to determine the random value.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In a sixth aspect the invention provides a gaming system comprising:

a player interface; and

a game controller arranged to:

conduct a base game;

modify a current position of a feature indicator by a random amount inresponse to a designated indicator event occurring in the base game;

determine whether the current position of the feature indicatorcorresponds to one of a plurality of feature games in response to afeature trigger event occurring; and

conduct any feature game to which the current position of the featureindicator corresponds.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the completion of adesignated number of game rounds in the base game.

In an embodiment, the designated indicator event is the occurrence of asymbol combination in the base game.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a bonus game valuearranged to conduct a bonus game to determine the random value.

In an embodiment, the bonus game is a spinning wheel game, the wheelhaving a plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of valuesand wherein the wheel is spun and the value determined based on a randomstopping position of the wheel.

In a seventh aspect the invention provides computer program code whichwhen executed implements any of the above methods.

In an eighth aspect the invention provides a computer readable mediumcomprising the above program code.

In a ninth aspect the invention provides a data signal comprising theabove program code.

In a tenth aspect, the invention extends to transmitting the programcode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to thefollowing drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gamingmachine;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary wheel for a bonus game; and

FIGS. 9A to 9C are examples of a display indicating a player's progresstowards different feature levels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiment provides a gaming system having a game controllerarranged to conduct a base game and each of a plurality of featuregames. When a designated counter event occurs in the base game, afeature counter is modified by a random value. If a feature triggerevent occurs in the base game it is determined whether a current valueof the feature counter corresponds to one of a plurality of featuregames. If there is a correspondence, the relevant feature game isconducted.

In a first form, a stand alone gaining machine is provided wherein allor most components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some ofthe components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming machine and some of the components required forimplementing the game are located remotely relative to the gamingmachine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used whereinpart of the game is executed on a player operable gaining machine andpart of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a“thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game isexecuted remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operablegaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaminginformation to the player and receive gaining inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged.For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine isnetworked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gainingmachine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example,the gaining system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode,“thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game beingplayed, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will beapparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system has several core components.At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 anda game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The player interface isarranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gamingsystem and for this purpose includes the input/output componentsrequired for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment toembodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable aplayer to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, agame play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game playinstructions, and a speaker 58.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the playerinterface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the gameplay instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs gameplay outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions arestored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Hereinthe term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that canprocess game play instructions in accordance with game play rules andmay include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logicdevice or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. aPC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 isillustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with thegaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 alsohouses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coininput chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanismsmay also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smartcard, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module may beprovided having a reading device for the purpose of reading a playertracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The playertracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any otherportable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables anddetails of bonus awards and other information or images relating to thegame. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a frontpanel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the frontpanel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit,particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, thedisplay 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any othersuitable video display unit, or the visible portion of anelectromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, forexample a video display unit, which may be of the same type as thedisplay 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gamingmachine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 arestored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with theprocessor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include bothvolatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type ofmemory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes includingensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, aninput/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheraldevices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/orthe peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memoryfor storing associated instructions and data for use with theinput/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random numbergenerator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference torandom numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includesperipheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101including one or more displays 106, buttons and/or a touch screen 107, acard and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/orcoin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additionalhardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardwaremay be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communicationsinterface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, forexample, send status information, accounting information or otherinformation to a central controller, server or database and receive dataor commands from the central controller, server or database.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplarymemory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a massstorage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds programfiles for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or gamerelated code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to storegame programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/orauthenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller101.

FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which forexample may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arrangedin three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5, are connectedto the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operableinterface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on therequirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gamingmachines are illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gamingmachines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. Thedisplays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to displayrepresentations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202,and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional orinformational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of thegame played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as boththe game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, theycollectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloadingor access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, ifthe gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, aJackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpotgame. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all ofthe game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With thisembodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. Thegaining machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the gameserver which will process them and return game play outcomes to thegaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gamingmachines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software thatprovides a player interface operable using standard computer input andoutput components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration ofthe gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor managementserver 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licensesrelating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is providedto allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devicesconnected to the network.

The gaining network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, otherlocal networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide areanetwork such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with knowntechniques, functionality at the server side of the network may bedistributed over a plurality of different computers. For example,elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separateserver may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run arandom generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random numbergenerator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided torun different games or a single game server may run a plurality ofdifferent games as required by the terminals.

In the embodiment, the base game is a spinning reel type game. Gamingsystems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reelsas part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a videodisplay or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being“stepper” machines which have a separate stepper motor for each reel.

In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming machinesselect symbols by employing a stop determining function that randomlydetermines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there arefive reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining functionmight determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbolcomes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a“window” visible to the player on the display which corresponds to aplayer playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will bein one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reelrelative to the stop position.

Gaming systems typically allow a player to select how many win lines ofa plurality of win lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum ofone win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game.Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of onesymbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol positionof each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions thatconstitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player bymarkings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions thatcorrespond to each win line. Other techniques for allowing the paler tomake a bet are known such as allowing a player to select a number ofreels to play.

The game controller 60 of the embodiment is shown in more detail in FIG.6.

In FIG. 6 a number of modules are implemented by the processor 62including random number generator 621, base game module 622, countermodification module 623, available feature module 624, feature gamemodule 625 and display controller 626. In this embodiment, the modulesare implemented as software executed by the processor. Persons skilledin the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, one or more of themodules may be implemented on a different processor, for example, therandom number generator 621 may be implemented on a random numbergenerator server. Further, not all of the modules need be implemented assoftware executed by a processor and could be implemented by dedicatedhardware.

In the embodiment, play of the game including the input of playerinstructions and the display of the game is via the player interface 50.Initially play begins with a player playing a base game under thecontrol of the base game module 622 which implements the base game inaccordance with base game data 641 which as described above will be aspinning reel type game carried out in accordance with techniques knownin the art. In this respect it will be appreciated that in one exampleof a spinning reel type game the base game module 622 will employ therandom number generator 621 to select stopping positions for a pluralityof reels. During play of the base game, the counter event monitor 622Bof the base game module 622 determines whether an event has occurred inthe base game which should result in a modification of a counter storedas counter data 642. Depending on the embodiment, the counter may or maynot be reset. If the counter is reset, the counter may be reset eachtime a game session is initiated or each time a gaming machine is notplayed for a predetermined time depending on the specific embodiment.Depending on the embodiment the counter event monitor 622B can monitorfor different counter events including the completion of each game roundsuch that the counter is modified after each game round, the completionof a plurality of game rounds, or the occurrence of a particular symbolor symbol combination during the base game.

Once the counter event monitor 622B determines that a counter event hasoccurred, it advises the counter modification module 623 whichdetermines a modification to apply to the current value of the counterstored as counter data 642. In the embodiment, the counter modificationmodule 623 modifies the counter by implementing a bonus game using bonusgame module 623A. In the embodiment the bonus game is a wheel game wherea wheel 800 is exemplified in FIG. 8 is spun and a random value isobtained to add to the counter depending on the segment 801 to 814 whichcorresponds to the indicator 820 when the wheel stops. As indicated inFIG. 8, the segments can be of different sizes in order to givedifferent probabilities to various outcomes. Each of the segments 801 to814 may represent a different value. The value that is spun up with thebonus game wheel is added to the current counter value. The currentvalue of the counter is displayed on display 54 by display controller626. The size of the segments and the values allocated to each sequenceis stored as bonus game data 643.

In the embodiment, the memory 64 also stores feature range data withfeatures allocated to a plurality (N) of ranges (N+1) with one range notallocated to a feature game such that if a feature trigger event occursduring this range a feature game will not be triggered. A person skilledin the art will appreciate that in other embodiments each range ofcounter values may be allocated to a feature or indeed that there may bea plurality of ranges that are not allocated to a feature game.Typically, the range which does not correspond to a feature game will bethe lowest range such that a feature game cannot be awarded shortlyafter a game session commences and the counter has been reset.

The feature trigger monitor 622A of the base game module monitorsoutcomes of the base game to determine whether a feature triggercondition has been met.

The feature trigger condition can be in accordance with any one of anumber of known rules including but not limited to:

when a special symbol, or a combination of symbols appears in thewindow;

when a time elapses;

when a system event occurs;

when an underlying random event occurs, for example, in the course of agame; or

when a turnover has elapsed.

In other embodiments, the feature trigger could occur independently ofthe base game, for example, it might be triggered within another featureor by a system.

When it determines that a feature trigger has occurred, the featuretrigger monitor 622A initiates the available feature module 624. Theavailable feature module compares the current value of the counter data642 with the feature range data 644 to determine which of feature games1 to N is available (or indeed, in some embodiments, that there isn't afeature game is available). The available feature module advises thefeature game module 625 which feature game to implement and the featuregame module 625 accesses feature game data 645 and accesses relevantfeature data 645A, 645B or 645C. The feature game is then conducted bythe feature game module 625 displayed on the display of player interface50 under controller display controller 626. In other embodiments, theremay be a plurality of feature game modules and different ones of themodules may operate depending on the determination by the availablefeature module 624. For example, where the feature game module is aimplemented by executing a software routine, different software routines(and hence different software modules) may be executed for each feature.

The feature game may be of any known feature game in the art but could,for example all be spinning reel type games but use different symbols.Alternatively, the feature games may be of different types, for examplesome games may be selection games, some games may involve the awardingof a jackpot etc.

The method 700 of the embodiment is summarised in FIG. 7 which showsthat a base game is conducted 710 and is determined 720 whether tomodify the counter. If the counter is to be increased it is increased725 otherwise the method proceeds directly to determining whether thefeature has been triggered 730. If the feature is triggered the relevantfeature is determined 740 and then conducted 750.

EXAMPLE

FIGS. 9A to 9C are examples of displays that can be made to a player inorder to indicate which feature will be played if a feature is triggeredduring the base game.

In this example, a theme is applied of how many years back in time theplayer has progressed. A scale 910 is provided in order that theindicator 920 corresponding to the current value of the feature counter,indicates the position in years backwards from a starting position.Accordingly, the wheel shown in FIG. 8 can be themed to indicate valuesin terms of numbers of years. In this example, the wheel is spun aftereach game and the wheel spins up values of 80 years for game 1, 65 yearsfor game 2 and 5 years for game 3, such that after game 3 the indicatoris at 150 years back in time as shown in FIG. 9A.

Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9C it will be seen that there are 6 featuregame ranges including: first range 931 is 0 to 100 years whichcorresponds to no feature game; second range 932 of 100 to 300 yearswhich corresponds to a Wild West feature; third range 933 whichcorresponds to the period of 300 to 1200 years back in time which is aPirate feature; fourth range 934 which corresponds to a period 1200 to3000 years back in time which has a Ming Dynasty feature; fifth range935 which corresponds to the period of 3000 to 4000 years back in timeand to an Ancient Greece feature; and a sixth range 936 whichcorresponds to more than 4000 years back in time and to an Ancient Egyptfeature 936.

The game is thus arranged so that the indicator will gradually move backin time for example as illustrated in FIG. 9B the feature game triggeris now within the pirate feature 933 range as indicated by indictor920B. Accordingly, if the feature trigger, for example 3 scatters, wereto occur at that point, the pirate feature will be triggered. Asindicated by indicator 920C in the display 900C of FIG. 9C, theindicator continues moving back in time until the last of the featuresis reached whereafter it remains there until the feature is triggered.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in this example, theindicator is an indirect representation of the counter. In otherembodiments, the counter could be directly represented. Further, ratherthan modifying the indicator indirectly by modifying the counter,embodiments are conceivable where the indicator is directly modified,with reference to FIG. 6 a modified embodiment may be formed bymodifying counter modification module 623 to be an indicatormodification module and storing the position of the indicator asindicator data instead of counter data 642. It would be understood thatin such an embodiment counter event monitor 622B would be understood tobe an indicator event monitor i.e. it would monitor in the same way butresult in modification of an indicator instead of a counter.

As indicated above, the secondary feature can be a series of free games,using the same or different reels to those used in the base game or asecond screen feature.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that while the aboveembodiment has been described in relation to a video display, variousother features could be implemented on a mechanical machine. Forexample, the reel 800 could be a physical reel which is spunmechanically.

The above example is an example where the counter is modified by addingyears to a “years back in time” counter. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that other modifications could be applied. For example, ifthe scale were to show actual years a subtraction could be applied tomove back in time. Other modifications such as multiplication ordivision could be appropriate with other ranges, for example withexponential scales.

A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that it is notnecessary to have a display of the current counter position or that thecounter position could be represented in other ways. For example simplyby advising which feature is currently available.

Other variations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art andshould be understood as falling within the scope of the inventiondescribed herein. For example, a spinning reel game, the base game couldbe a card game or a ball draw game such as Keno, Bingo or Arishinko.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the abovedescription of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. Theprogram code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on acomputer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, thatcould replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, bydownloading it from a server).

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the inventionthat many modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent thatcertain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to formfurther embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein,such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art formsa part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of gaming for play of a base game,a bonus game, and a plurality of feature games on a gaming machinehaving a credit input mechanism configured to receive a physical itemassociated with a monetary value for establishing a credit balance, thecredit balance being increasable and decreasable based at least onwagering activity, a display, a memory having data indicative of theplurality of feature games, and a game controller having a random numbergenerator and a feature counter having a current value indicating afeature game, said current value being modifiable, the methodcomprising: establishing the credit balance via said credit inputmechanism receiving the physical item; in accord with having establishedthe credit balance via the credit input mechanism receiving the physicalitem, conducting the base game via the game controller; conducting, viathe game controller, the bonus game on a completion of the base game,including generating via the random number generator a random value;displaying on the display a plurality of selections of feature gamesincluding a last feature game; modifying, via the game controller, thefeature counter including adding the random value to a current value ofthe feature counter in response to the play of the bonus game;determining, via said game controller, whether a feature trigger eventhas occurred; and in response to determining that the feature triggerevent has occurred, conducting, via the game controller, one of theplurality of feature games indicated by the feature counter; and whereinwhen the feature counter indicates said last feature game, said lastfeature game remains indicated until said feature trigger event occurs.2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein different ranges of countervalues are allocated to each of the plurality of feature games, and themethod further comprising determining, based on the allocated ranges,whether the one feature game corresponds to the current value of thefeature counter.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein at leastone of the ranges of counter values is not allocated to the plurality offeature games, and the method further comprising not conducting theplurality of feature games if the current value is within the at leastone of the ranges when the feature trigger event occurs.
 4. The methodas claimed in claim 3, wherein the feature counter represents a timeperiod and each of the plurality of feature games corresponds to a timeperiod in history.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thebonus game is a spinning wheel game having a wheel, the wheel having aplurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of values, andwherein the wheel is spun and the random value is determined based on arandom stopping position of the wheel.
 6. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein a prize value of at least one of the plurality of featuregames is related to the current value of the feature counter.
 7. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising resetting the featurecounter in response to at least a determination that a new game sessionis to be conducted.
 8. A game controller for play of a base game, abonus game, and a plurality of feature games on a gaming machine havinga credit input mechanism configured to receive a physical itemassociated with a monetary value for establishing a credit balance, thecredit balance being increasable and decreasable based at least onwagering activity, a display, a memory having data indicative of theplurality of feature games, and the game controller comprising: afeature counter having a current value indicating a feature game; and abase game module configured to conduct the base game in accord withhaving established the credit balance via the credit input mechanismreceiving the physical item; a bonus game module configured to conductthe bonus game on a completion of the base game; a random numbergenerator configured to generate for the bonus game a random value,wherein the display is configured to indicate one of a plurality ofselections of feature games including a last feature game; a countermodification module configured to modify the feature counter includingadding the random value to the current value of the feature counter inresponse to the play of the bonus game; a feature trigger monitorconfigured to determine whether a feature trigger event has occurred;and a feature game module configured to, in response to determining thatthe feature trigger event has occurred, conduct one of the plurality offeature games indicated by the feature counter; and wherein when thefeature counter indicates said last feature game, said last feature gameremains indicated until said feature trigger event occurs.
 9. The gamecontroller as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an availablefeature module configured to carry out the determination of whether thecurrent value of the feature counter corresponds to one of the pluralityof feature games in response to the feature trigger event occurring inthe base game.
 10. The game controller as claimed in claim 8, whereindifferent ranges of counter values are allocated to each of theplurality of feature games, and a determination based on the allocatedranges as to whether the one feature game corresponds to the currentvalue of the feature counter.
 11. The game controller as claimed inclaim 10, wherein at least one of the different ranges of counter valuesis not allocated to the plurality of feature games, such that if thecurrent value is within the at least one of the different ranges whenthe feature trigger event occurs, the plurality of feature games are notconducted.
 12. The game controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein thefeature counter represents a time period and each of the plurality offeature games corresponds to a time period in history.
 13. The gamecontroller as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a bonus game moduleconfigured to conduct the bonus game to determine the random value. 14.The game controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bonus game is aspinning wheel game having a wheel, the wheel having a plurality ofsegments corresponding to a plurality of values, and wherein the wheelis spun and the random value is determined based on a random stoppingposition of the wheel.
 15. The game controller as claimed in claim 8,wherein a prize value of at least one of the plurality of feature gamesis related to the current value of the feature counter.
 16. The gamecontroller as claimed in claim 8, is further configured to reset thefeature counter in response to at least a determination that a new gamesession is to be conducted.
 17. The game controller as claimed in claim8, and further comprising a processor configured to execute programinstructions stored in a memory.
 18. A gaming system for play of a basegame, a bonus game, and a plurality of feature games, the gaming systemcomprising: a credit input mechanism configured to receive a physicalitem associated with a monetary value for establishing a credit balance,the credit balance being increasable and decreasable based at least onwagering activity; a player interface; a memory having data indicativeof the plurality of feature games; and a game controller comprising: afeature counter having a current value indicating a feature game; a basegame module configured to conduct the base game in accord with havingestablished the credit balance via the credit input mechanism receivingthe physical item; a bonus game module configured to conduct the bonusgame on a completion of the base game; a random number generatorconfigured to generate a random value, wherein the player interface isconfigured to indicate one of a plurality of selections of feature gamesincluding a last feature game; and a counter modification moduleconfigured to modify the feature counter including adding the randomvalue to the current value of the feature counter in response to theplay of the bonus game; a feature trigger monitor configured todetermine whether a feature trigger event has occurred; and a featuregame module configured to, in response to determining that the featuretrigger event has occurred, conduct one of the plurality of featuregames indicated by the feature counter; and wherein when the featurecounter indicates said last feature game, said last feature game remainsindicated until said feature trigger event occurs.
 19. The gaming systemas claimed in claim 18, wherein the player interface comprises a displayconfigured to display (1) play of the base game, (2) the feature counterand (3) the plurality of feature games.
 20. The gaming system as claimedin claim 18, further comprising a game play mechanism operable by aplayer to initiate a play of the base game.
 21. The gaming system asclaimed in claim 18, wherein the game controller comprises an availablefeature module configured to carry out the determination of whether thecurrent value of the feature counter corresponds to one of a pluralityof feature games in response to the feature trigger event occurring inthe base game.
 22. The gaming system as claimed in claim 18, whereindifferent ranges of counter values are allocated to each of theplurality of feature games, and the determination based on the allocatedranges as to whether the one feature game corresponds to the currentvalue of the feature counter.
 23. The gaming system as claimed in claim22, wherein at least one of the ranges of counter values is notallocated to a feature game such that if the current value is withinsaid at least one of the ranges of counter values not allocated to afeature game when the feature trigger event occurs, the plurality offeature games are not conducted.
 24. The gaming system as claimed inclaim 18, wherein the game controller comprises a bonus game moduleconfigured to conduct the bonus game to determine the random value. 25.The gaming system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bonus game is aspinning wheel game having a wheel, the wheel having a plurality ofsegments corresponding to a plurality of values, and wherein the wheelis spun and the random value is determined based on a random stoppingposition of the wheel.
 26. The gaming system as claimed in claim 18,wherein a prize value of at least one the plurality of feature games isrelated to the current value of the feature counter.
 27. The gamingsystem as claimed in claim 18, wherein the game controller is configuredto reset the feature counter in response to at least a determinationthat a new game session is to be conducted.
 28. The gaming system asclaimed in claim 18, wherein the game controller includes a processorconfigured to execute program instructions stored in a memory.
 29. Amethod of gaming for play of a base game, a bonus game, and a pluralityof feature games on a gaming machine having a credit input mechanismconfigured to receive a physical item associated with a monetary valuefor establishing a credit balance, the credit balance being increasableand decreasable based at least on wagering activity, a display, a memoryhaving data indicative of the plurality of feature games, and a gamecontroller having a random number generator and a feature indicatorhaving a current position indicating a feature game, said currentposition being modifiable, the method comprising: establishing thecredit balance via said credit input mechanism receiving the physicalitem; in accord with having established the credit balance via thecredit input mechanism receiving the physical item, conducting the basegame via the game controller; conducting, via the game controller, thebonus game on a completion of the base game, including generating viathe random number generator a random amount; displaying on the display aplurality of selections of feature games including a last feature game;modifying, via the game controller, the current position of the featureindicator including adding the random amount to the current position ofthe feature indicator in response to the play of the bonus game;determining, via the game controller whether a feature trigger event hasoccurred; and in response to determining that the feature trigger eventhas occurred, conducting, via the game controller, one of the pluralityof feature games indicated by the feature counter; and wherein when thefeature indicator indicates said last feature game, said last featuregame remains indicated until said feature trigger event occurs.
 30. Themethod as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bonus game is a spinningwheel game having a wheel, the wheel having a plurality of segmentscorresponding to a plurality of values and wherein the wheel is spun andthe random amount is determined based on a random stopping position ofthe wheel.
 31. A game controller for play of a base game, a bonus game,and a plurality of feature games on a gaming system having a creditinput mechanism configured to receiving a physical item associated witha monetary value for establishing a credit balance, the credit balancebeing increasable and decreasable based at least on wagering activity, adisplay device, a memory having data indicative of the plurality offeature games, and the game controller comprising: a feature indicatorhaving a current position indicating a feature game, said currentposition being modifiable; and a base game module is configured toconduct the base game using said display device in accord with havingestablished the credit balance via the credit input mechanism receivingthe physical item; a bonus game module configured to conduct the bonusgame on a completion of the base game; a random number generatorconfigured to generate for the bonus game a random amount, wherein thedisplay device is configured to indicate one of a plurality ofselections of feature games including a last feature game; and a countermodification module configured to modify the feature indicator includingadding the random amount to the current position of the featureindicator for each in response to the play of the bonus game; a featuretrigger monitor configured to determine whether a feature trigger eventhas occurred; and a feature game module configured to, in response todetermining that the feature trigger event has occurred, conduct one ofthe plurality of feature games indicated by the feature counter; andwherein when the feature indicator indicates said last feature game,said last feature game remains indicated until said feature triggerevent occurs.
 32. The game controller as claimed in claim 31, whereinthe bonus game is a spinning wheel game having a wheel, the wheel havinga plurality of segments corresponding to a plurality of values andwherein the wheel is spun and the random amount is determined based on arandom stopping position of the wheel.
 33. A gaming system for play of abase game, a bonus game, and a plurality of feature games, the gamingsystem comprising: a credit input mechanism configured to receive aphysical item associated with a monetary value for establishing a creditbalance, the credit balance being increasable and decreasable based atleast on wagering activity; a player interface; a memory having dataindicative of the plurality of feature games; a feature indicator havinga current position indicating a feature game, said current positionbeing modifiable; and a game controller, having a random numbergenerator, and configured to: conduct the base game in accord withhaving established the credit balance via the credit input mechanismreceiving the physical item; conduct the bonus game on a completion ofthe base game, wherein said random number generator is configured togenerate for the bonus game a random amount, wherein the playerinterface is configured to indicate one of a plurality of selections offeature games including a last feature game; modify said featureindicator by adding the random amount to a current position of thefeature indicator in response to the play of the bonus game; determinewhether a feature trigger event has occurred; and in response todetermining that the feature trigger event has occurred, conduct one ofthe plurality of feature games indicated by the feature counter; andwherein when the feature indicator indicates said last feature game,said last feature game remains indicated until said feature triggerevent occurs.
 34. The gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein thegame controller comprises a bonus game module configured to conduct thebonus game to determine the random amount.
 35. The game system asclaimed in claim 33, wherein the bonus game is a spinning wheel gamehaving a wheel, the wheel having a plurality of segments correspondingto a plurality of values and wherein the wheel is spun and the randomamount is determined based on a random stopping position of the wheel.